Grade Six Social Studies

From 2B

claim and believe that it was built by the Portuguese. This structure was then replaced by the Dutch, circa 1616, with a permanent building and was outfitted with small guns.

The outpost was named Fort ter Hoogen, after an influential Dutch businessman. The first commandeur of the fort was Adrian Groenwegel (1616-1624), who aided in the construction of the outpost.

Fact/Tip: Kyk-Over means “see overall”

But it was soon renamed in a more descriptive manner: Kyk-Over-Al, meaning “see over all,” in reference to the fort's commanding views of the rivers.

Let’s Learn A Little More about The Victoria Regia Lily General Description / Cultural Significance

The Victoria Regia Lily, Victoria amazonica, can be seen on the coat of arms of Guyana.

It is the largest water lily in the world, strong enough to hold up hundreds of pounds and stiff enough that a full human being can sit down in it.

Its leaves can be up to ten feet in diameter, and it is both structurally buoyant and fast-growing in size, visibly widening even over the course of just one day.

Also known as the giant water lily, its sweet scent is distinctive, and has been likened to butterscotch and pineapple, capable of attracting pollinators at night. Once pollinated, the flower turns from white to pinkish purple.

The plant grows from a long stalk submerged underwater, and its leaves are protected from animals and fish by spikes. The Victoria Regia lily is fascinating to observe, for its structural qualities, its sweet scent, and its striking, somewhat bizarre beauty.

Fact/Tip: Our national flower the Victoria Regia was discovered on Gluck Island in the Essequibo River.

Today we looked at the County of Essequibo. This county was the first one in which the Dutch settled during the 16th century. In our next lesson, we will examine the County of Demerara.

Until next time, stay safe, boys and girls!